Reality TV and your job search

I swear, this won’t be another extended metaphor.

*Hold for applause*

Thanks.

Instead, this is about something a friend of mine said recently. He said that since he’s been out of work for months, what seems like his best bet would be to go full-force on trying to get on a reality TV show.  I don’t mean Who Wants to be a Millionaire (if that counts), an MTV dating show, or a makeover show.  He wants to go full-out, balls-to-the-wall, Survivor, Real World, Big Brother style.

Here’s why that’s a bad idea.

If you’re on a reality show where you are on for a season or more (The Hills, The Bachelor, Biggest Loser, etc.), you stop being a person and become a character.  You won’t be Steve or Jennifer, you’ll be “That Guy Who Slapped The Girl Who Had Lupus” or “The Girl With Fifteen Bellybutton Piercings.”  And trust me, that won’t help you in an interview.

If it was a competition, like So You Think You Can Dance or American Idol, that’s a spotlight on your talent, not your personality (to the degree you become one-dimensional).  The shows are more of a meritocracy, so if you have the talent, go for it!  Just make sure to read the small print on the contracts carefully.

If you happened to be on the Next bus, or your family was on Family Double Dare back in the day, that’s fine.  But don’t get caught in a situation where you get known by everyone for something that is definitely not you at your best.  If you’re in a situation where you can’t control how you will be perceived, tread with caution.

Especially if you were on Cops.  And not as a police officer.